Economic Analysis Reveals Deterioration in Sexual and Social Activities due to Growing Inflation Concerns
Inflation in Germany has had a nuanced impact on human interaction and well-being, according to recent surveys and reports. Although the national inflation rate was around 2% in mid-2025, with specific rises of 2% in food prices and 3.3% in services, its psychological and social effects vary across demographics.
A survey commissioned by "Kleinanzeigen.de" revealed that more than half of adults in Germany are going out less often to restaurants, cinemas, or theaters. The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce's survey suggests that the trade deal with the USA is causing many companies in Germany to worry more.
In terms of emotional well-being, about one-third of Germans, especially those aged 55 and above, reported that inflation concerns did not affect their emotional well-being, likely due to fading memories of the sharp inflation peak during the COVID-19 crisis. However, financial worries related to inflation continue to affect others' mental health, reflecting ongoing economic stress.
For instance, seven percent of survey respondents reported a deterioration in their love life due to financial stress, and seventeen percent say friendships are suffering because they are doing less with friends. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are most likely to say their friendships are suffering, while men and those aged 25 to 44 are most likely to report a worse sex life.
Moreover, around 18 percent report lower self-esteem because they can afford less, and more than a quarter of adults (26 percent) feel more anxious and stressed than before the inflation.
In terms of economic well-being, government responses have included welfare payment increases totaling billions of euros to mitigate inflation’s effect on low-income households. However, Human Rights Watch highlighted that social security benefits, including the Citizen’s Income, remain insufficient relative to poverty thresholds.
The impact of inflation extends to public infrastructure and social services as well. Before Germany suspended its "debt brake" to boost investment in 2025, austerity had led to deteriorating public infrastructure, such as unsafe schools and poor roads, which adversely influenced daily life and community well-being.
Comparable inflation trends within the OECD and Eurozone provide a broader economic context to Germany’s situation. Energy costs in Germany actually declined by 3.5% year-on-year in 2025, cushioning overall consumer price pressures somewhat.
In conclusion, inflation’s impact on human interaction and well-being in Germany is multifaceted, involving emotional responses, economic strain, and infrastructure-related social challenges. These findings underscore the need for continued support and investment in addressing the ongoing economic and social challenges faced by many Germans.
References: 1. Federal Statistical Office of Germany 2. Deutsche Welle 3. Human Rights Watch 4. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 5. European Central Bank
- The economic and social policy responses in Germany, such as welfare payment increases and the suspension of the "debt brake" to boost investment, are efforts aimed at alleviating inflation's impact on low-income households and public infrastructure.
- Conversations and relationships, whether they be romantic or friendly, are being affected by financial stress resulting from inflation, with young adults and men reporting the most noticeable impacts on their love lives and sex life, respectively.
